Rohde & Schwarz upgrades R&S SMW200A high-end vector signal generator to support frequencies up to 20 GHz   

Maximum flexibility, top performance and intuitive operation – these outstanding characteristics are now also available to users of the microwave range when generating complex multichannel scenarios. The R&S SMW200A makes it possible for the first time to generate two wideband signals with any type of modulation up to 20 GHz using a single device. Even fading and MIMO scenarios can be configured over the entire frequency range. The upgrade to 20 GHz especially addresses users in the wireless communications and aerospace & defense industries.   

Rohde & Schwarz has expanded the frequency range of its R&S SMW200A high-end vector signal generator to 20 GHz. The R&S SMW200A is the only instrument on the market to combine a baseband generator, RF generator and fading simulator in a single box. In addition, the R&S SMW200A can be equipped with a second 20 GHz path, making it possible to simultaneously generate up to two wideband microwave signals with any type of modulation. For these types of complex setups, other solutions require at least three devices, and considerably more effort for settings, synchronization and cabling.    

Users in the wireless communications and A&D industries in particular will benefit from the new options. The instrument's capability of combining a 6 GHz and a 20 GHz path in a single box allows users to quickly and easily perform the receiver and performance tests required by many telecommunications standards ? no matter whether they need only the wanted signal or, in addition, interferers and perhaps even fading or additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The R&S SMW200A accommodates all of these requirements and can generate signals in an application-compliant way. Using informative block diagrams on a touchscreen, users can quickly configure the relevant signal parameters.    

The R&S SMW-B120 microwave option up to 20 GHz supports numerous A&D applications in the X and Ku bands. The vector signal generator also delivers phase-coherent signals for testing phased array antennas, for example. If more than two phase-coherent signals are needed, extra R&S SMW200A generators can be added.   

Thanks to the integrated test case wizard, users can configure even complex WCDMA or LTE test scenarios with the required wanted signal along with an interfering signal and fading or AWGN - all at the press of a button. Time-consuming, error-prone manual parameter entries are a thing of the past.    

The internal baseband generator already supports a large signal bandwidth up to 160 MHz. Using external I/Q signals, the signal bandwidth can even extend up to 2 GHz. Using the optional fading simulator, MIMO scenarios can be simulated in a reproducible way, making it possible to quickly configure even higher MIMO modes such as 2x2, 4x4 or 8x2. All functions of the R&S SMW200A can be easily remotely controlled via GPIB, LAN or USB.   

The new R&S SMW-B120 and R&S SMW-B220 frequency options (20 GHz for the first signal path, 20 GHz for the second signal path) are now available from Rohde & Schwarz. For more information, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com/ad/press/smw200a.